Youths tackle vice culture

No create an environment fit for free, fair and credible election, youths in Anambra State have gathered in Awka, the state capital, to deliberate on ways to consolidate on the peace and political stability in the state.

During their deliberations, they realised that money politics and political thuggish behaviour have been the bane of the state since its creation.

The youths, therefore, expressed their willingness to work towards a violence-free state during the forthcoming governorship election slated for the later part of the year.

The gathering, the second in a week, brought together youths from the 21 local government areas.

The event took place at King David’s Hotel in Awka. The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh represented Governor Peter Obi at the event which was organised by Golden Morning International (GMI). Its theme was “Youth against Thuggery and Money Politics in Anambra 2013.”

Speaking at the event, the Director of GMI, Anthony Aniegbue regretted that those whose dead bodies floated on Ezu River were the youth and not the aged, adding that if what happened in Anambra State had happened in a civilised world, security agents would have resigned en masse.

He added that the governorship election which will take place later in the year would be violence-free as the youth would be seriously involved.

Prof. Mercy Anagbogu, in her speech, said it was a pity that in the past 21 years, youths of the state had not been given opportunity to participate actively in governance.

“2013 is the year the youth in Anambra State will rise up against all evils; and if this opportunity slips from them, then, there will be problem. We pray that such a thing will never happen,” she said.

Governor Peter Obi, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Dr Edozie Aroh, stated that it was not the youth who had been in thuggery and money politics, rather the adults who pay them to perpetrate such acts.

He opined that stopping such act would be through legislation, adding that the youth should be mindful of the politicians who use and dump them after elections.

A governorship hopeful, Dr Chike Obidigbo said that 80 per cent of this group lives in communities where economic, civic and social opportunities are insufficient to address their diverse needs.

He said: “What makes the youth prone to thuggery and money politics can easily be changed through genuine initiative like what we are having today. Such initiative, I believe stems from that love and faith for sustainable good governance which brings us to the theory of change.

“The youth, who are hungry, unemployed, and have no skills for self-sufficiency are likely to be engaged as political thugs, in kidnapping, shooting and snatching of ballot boxes during elections as these have become their sources of livelihood,” Obidigbo said.